The artistic interpretation of Tolkien's imagination can be breathtaking. Or it can be appalling... Join in on the discussion of the artistic representations and collectible items in the Tolkien universe.

My all-time favourite is probably Catherine (actually Katarzyna) Chmiel-Gugulska, Kasiopea by her artist name; I especially love her Silmarillion inspired works. And, another artist whose Tolkien illustrations I enjoy very much is Jenny Dolfen, or GoldSeven (her artwork, both Tolkien themed and other, can also be found in the Elfwood, Epilogue, and DeviantArt galleries).

Ted Nasmith and Cor Blok are two of my favourites too. Among other artists, I appreciate particular strengths they might have. John Howe's impression of Barad Dur is very original, and there's something about his depiction of rain and grass - atmospheric.

I really really like Cor Blok. Probably not too keen on his figures but I believe there is no one who draws Tolkien's broader landscapes as well as him.I think Blok's style, with its abstract neo-dark ages/ early medieval flair, is a perfect fit for Tolkien's (and my) sensibilities.But his website describes his style best:

Cor Blok manages to deftly sidestep the slavery to mere representation that most fantasy artists fall foul of. Anyone who has read Tolkiens’ On Fairy Stories and letters to Pauline Baynes can see why Tolkien appreciated a more abstract, graphic and symbolic approach to illustrating his work, and understood how representational images provide a too limiting version of something.

His Hornburg:

and Amon Hen

are (for me) one of the best Tolkien paintings in existence.

And I just found a new one of his that I love: The Rohirrim on the Road to Minas Tirith: Brilliant!

rowanberry wrote:My all-time favourite is probably Catherine (actually Katarzyna) Chmiel-Gugulska, Kasiopea by her artist name; I especially love her Silmarillion inspired works. And, another artist whose Tolkien illustrations I enjoy very much is Jenny Dolfen, or GoldSeven (her artwork, both Tolkien themed and other, can also be found in the Elfwood, Epilogue, and DeviantArt galleries).

The ones by Dolfen are very good. "Oath of Feanor" and Ossiriand are my favorites among those. And the one with Ancalagon is the least impressive, too Godzilla-type for me.

I would add a lot of the work by David Day for the Tolkien Bestiary to my favorites list.

Some really nice pieces here! great interpretations. I don't really know many Tolkien artists as such, though there is someone on DeviantArt who's done some lovely watercolour? pieces. If they've not been mentioned already I'll edit this post later.